What is the Most Important Feature in a Mountain Bike Chain Lube?

Mountain bikers rely on chain lube to perform a number of vital functions, and optimizing one often means trading off another.

By Jeff Barber for Boeshield T-9
February 2, 2020 Last Updated: July 20, 2021

7 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article. This sponsored article was written and/or published on behalf of our partner, Boeshield T-9.

Mountain bikers rely on chain lube to perform a number of vital functions, and optimizing one often means trading off another. For example, a quiet lube might tend to pick up a lot of dirt, while an inexpensive product might not provide great protection.

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This survey is sponsored by Boeshield (boeshield.com), makers of Boeshield T-9, a lube designed to waterproof your bike chain, lubricate cables, and prevent rust with its unique and effective all-in-one formula.

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Alt text: An assortment of bicycle maintenance products displayed on a pegboard, including cleaning sprays, lubricants, and tools, with a cap and a promotional banner for the "Ultimate MTB Package."

7 Comments

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m.krupp Kentucky // 2018
Feb 3, 2020

Agreed killer climb

0 reply

MTBMike4111 Iowa // 2013
Feb 6, 2020

All of these factors are important, and minimizing the tradeoffs is the holy grail. I really doubt anyone cares about only one or even two of these factors. The best lube out there minimizes the tradeoffs without costing and arm and a leg. It lasts long, greatly reduces wear, keeps your chain clean because it isn't sticky AF and any residue wipes off easily with a rag, keeps things from rusting, and keeps friction to a minimum even in very cold temperatures.

enduroexpert78 Virginia // 2019
Feb 5, 2020

Chain lube should not interfere with shifting performance.

PeakLover Colorado // 2014
Feb 7, 2020

Doesn't collect dust.

williedillon Georgia // 2012
Feb 6, 2020

I guess for me it would have to be that it's biodegradable. After that it needs to keep the chain clean, so therefore a wax-based lubricant.

killer climb Pennsylvania // 2019
Feb 2, 2020

If its reducing wear all the stuff will fall under it.

TK34 Minnesota // 2018
Feb 3, 2020

If you're looking for how to improve current lubes, my vote is for them to last longer.

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